BHP keen to take up diamond exploration: Of late, a number of global mining giants have been taking keen interest in Indian diamond mining that include De Beers, Rio Tinto and BHP.

(From Business Line)

NEW DELHI, March 15. BHP-BILLITON, the world's largest diversified mining group, will soon be applying to the Government seeking permission to start exploration for diamonds and other precious stones in India.

The company proposes to take up diamond exploration in the country through its two wholly-owned Indian subsidiary companies, namely BHP Minerals (India) Pvt Ltd and BHP Khanij Anveshana Pvt Ltd.

These two companies have already established their presence in the Indian mining sector and have been awarded 'reconnaissance permits' (RPs) for exploration of minerals such as iron, copper, lead, zinc and gold in Madhya Pradesh, …